Workers at SoFi Stadium are calling on FIFA to prevent ICE from participating in the World Cup and are considering a strike as a form of protest
A union representing approximately 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium announced on Monday that it is urging FIFA to ensure that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement remains uninvolved in World Cup operations in Los Angeles, cautioning that employees may strike if their concerns are not adequately addressed.
Unite Here Local 11, representing cooks, servers, and bartenders at the Inglewood venue, stated that the workers are still without a labor contract as the World Cup draws near.
The union presented three primary demands to FIFA and stadium owner Kroenke Sports & Entertainment: a public assurance that ICE and Border Patrol will not be involved in the tournament, safeguards for union jobs and working conditions, and backing for affordable housing for hospitality workers.
Acting Director of the Department of Homeland Security, Todd Lyons, has stated that ICE would have a “key role” in the World Cup, a situation that the union expressed could jeopardize the safety of workers and guests in Los Angeles.
FIFA has yet to provide a response to a request for comment. SoFi Stadium representatives chose not to provide a comment.
Local 11 sought assurances that the tournament would not utilize artificial intelligence and automation to displace union jobs.
The union connected its labor demands to wider issues regarding housing expenses in the Los Angeles region, especially in Inglewood, and urged the backing of a workforce housing fund, limitations on short-term rentals, and tax initiatives designed to finance affordable housing and provide protections for immigrant families. “FIFA and its corporate sponsors will reap billions from Los Angeles while neglecting to recognize the cooks, servers, and stand attendants who make this event feasible,” Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11, stated.
The union stated that it had consistently requested meetings with FIFA since Los Angeles was selected as a host city but had been overlooked. Los Angeles will host eight World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, with the opening match featuring the U.S. against Paraguay on June 12.
